The Blue Horizon Initiative, a partnership for sustainable water solutions between the Netherlands and Mexico
The Blue Horizon Initiative is a dynamic public-private partnership designed to address Mexico’s urgent water challenges by leveraging Dutch expertise in advanced water management technologies. Launched under the Partners for International Business programme, this initiative unites Dutch water technology companies, institutions, and Mexican stakeholders to co-develop sustainable solutions that will enhance water access, improve infrastructure, and ensure the long-term resilience of urban and rural water systems across Mexico.
The Blue Horizon Initiative was officially launched in February 2025 in The Hague, with the participation of key figures such as Ambassador Ms. Carmen Moreno Toscano from the Mexican Embassy and Ms. Annemieke Broesterhuizen, Managing Director of International Trade at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), alongside support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Ms. Anne Le Guellec, Director of the International Enterprise Department.
High-priority regions
Combining Dutch innovation with Mexico's local knowledge, the Blue Horizon Initiative will focus on improving water infrastructure, expanding wastewater treatment and reuse, and enhancing water quality over the next three years.
Special attention will be given to high-priority regions such as Mexico City, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, and Jalisco, where the need for advanced water solutions is most pressing.
Capacity building & knowledge transfer
A core component of the Blue Horizon Initiative is capacity building through trade missions, networking events, and knowledge-sharing platforms. By fostering local expertise in sustainable water management, the initiative ensures long-term success and creates opportunities for future collaboration. These efforts will facilitate the transfer of Dutch technological innovations and best practices, building a foundation for lasting partnerships between Dutch and Mexican stakeholders.
Fostering economic development
The Blue Horizon Initiative aims not only to address immediate water challenges but also to create lasting market access for Dutch companies in Mexico. Over the next three years, the initiative is expected to generate a minimum market impact of €4.5 million, with the potential to exceed €20 million. Key sectors targeted include advanced water treatment for industrial wastewater, particularly in manufacturing regions like Jalisco and Querétaro, as well as sustainable water solutions for the hospitality industry in areas such as Quintana Roo and Oaxaca. Through these efforts, Dutch businesses will solidify their presence in the Mexican water sector, paving the way for long-term commercial success.
Strengthening business ties
In addition to facilitating business opportunities, the Blue Horizon Initiative aims to forge long-term partnerships with key Mexican public institutions, which are instrumental in shaping water policy and advancing infrastructure development. The initiative also seeks to collaborate with local governments to influence policies that support sustainable water management practices.
About the public-private partnership
The Blue Horizon Initiative includes 10 pioneering Dutch companies: BD+P (coordinator), Colubris, Dutch Clean Tech, Field Factors, IHE Delft, KWR, NX Filtration, Oceanus International, Solaq, and UArchitects. Additionally, the Dutch Government, through the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs, and Infrastructure and Water Management, as well as the Dutch Embassy in Mexico City and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, supports the initiative.
The initiative is part of the Partners for International Business programme, which enables Dutch businesses to collaborate with the government to realise international ambitions. By combining strategic collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy influence, the Blue Horizon Initiative aims to create a sustainable future for Mexico’s water systems while offering Dutch businesses new opportunities in the global water market. With a focus on resilience, innovation, and sustainability, the initiative promises to make a significant impact on the water sector in both Mexico and the Netherlands.
For more information on the Initiative and future engagement opportunities, contact Addrian Puentes of BD+P, coordinator of the Blue Horizon Initiative.
